Billy Joel

Singer, songwriter, pianist and composer Billy Joel's recording career began in the early 1970s, with the release of Cold Spring Harbor in 1971. While the album was a disappointment due to an unsatisfactory mix, it contained tracks such as She's Got A Way, which have since become staples of Joel's live shows. A residency at the piano bar, Executive Room in Los Angeles, provided Joel with the inspiration for one of his most enduring works. Piano Man was written about the regulars of the bar, and gave Joel his first big international hit, and has since become the artist's signature song, usually the song which ends all live performances. The song also lent its name to become the title of Joel's second album.A major meeting took place towards the end of the 1970s, when Joel and producer Phil Ramone were introduced to one another. 1977's The Stranger was the first album produced by the partnership and marked a massive success, with four songs becoming hit singles on the Billboard Charts, and Just the Way You Are scoring Joel's first Top 20 hit in the UK. My Life from 1978's 52nd Street was certified silver in the UK, and reached number 12 in the Singles Chart.The commercial polish brought to Joel's sound by the production of Spector continued to bring chart success, with 1983's Uptown Girl hitting the top of the charts in the UK, and many other tracks reaching the top 10. Later singles such as We Didn't Start the Fire and River of Dreams showcased Joel's versatility, along with his talent for writing clever and interesting lyrics. In 1999, Joel was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, whilst he was placed into the Songwriters Hall of Fame seven years earlier. Billy Joel has toured the globe many times since his career began in the 1970s, either touring with his own band, or co-headlining with another artist. The Face to Face tours began in 1994 and were a double header show with Elton John. During these concerts, both men played on their own songs, and each other's material, with some duets forming the highlight of the show. The tours have been the most successful dual tour in history. From January 2014, Joel is contracted to play one concert per month at New York's legendary Madison Square Garden.